Brits told ‘do not travel’ as storm batters UK & major incident declared HOURS before millions go back to work
BRITS have been warned "do not travel" today as a major storm batters the UK hours before millions go back to work.
A '"major incident" was declared in Manchester as flood water swept across roads, forcing hapless drivers to abandoned their vehicles.
This follows widespread "severe" flooding which has lead to major travel disruptions.
The Met Office has revealed a slew of yellow and amber weather warnings spanning across the UK, with snow set to fall on Saturday and Sunday.
Parts of Greater Manchester have seen more than 80mm of rain fall in the last 24 hours.
Rivers have burst their banks with streets becoming completely submerged and water gushing into homes.
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Residents of Stockport, Greater Manchester, have been left trapped in their houses after flooding - with cops coordinating with emergency services to send aid.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called in to help and rescued stranded civilians.
Ell Henderson, a 28-year-old resident of newly the converted Meadow Mill in Stockport said: "We'd been out for New Year's Eve but when we got back last night, it wasn't anything like it is now.
"We looked out the window, and it was like a swimming pool outside - the water was about a foot deep."
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Ell and other Meadow Mill residents were told to wait in the hall for updates until the emergency services arrived with blow up rafts.
She said there were some tensions being stuck from the flooding, adding: "To be honest, we're going a bit stir crazy and claustrophobic trapped inside.
"Luckily, I have family to go to after being evacuated - not everyone in this block will have that luxury."
Manchester Police said they are still receiving reports of "damage, risk to life and stranded vehicles."
A Britannia hotel in south Manchester even had to be evacuated due to the unbelievable weather conditions.
The hotel in Didsbury, which is understood to be housing asylum seekers, became submerged following a night of heavy rainfall on New Year's Eve - leading to its evacuation.
The fire brigade and cops were at the scene scrambling to evacuate people.
Water rescue units were also called, with boats sent to transport people to safety.
The road was closed due to the massive rescue operation, with rubber boats seen full of people being transported from the hotel to the edge of the cordon.
Three police tactical aid unit vans showed up at the site and Mountain Rescue teams were even called, reports.
Meanwhile a football match in Wigan was cancelled just hours before kick-off as the storm hit the UK.
Wigan's League One match against Huddersfield was axed due to flooding before fans made their way to the game.
Brick Community Stadium was subjected to heavy wind and rain, leading to the match being scrapped amid dangerous weather.
In Wales, some railway lines running between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno have been closed over the new year due to fallen trees on the line.
One driver in north Yorkshire had to escape from being caught in the overflow as water gushed into the interior and submerged all the seats.
More than 800 home in Devon were hit by power cuts and 400 in Cornwall.
Cornish coastguards asked people not to take a dip in the sea during the dangerous weather conditions.
They have urged beachgoers to suspend events because of the choppy seas around the coastline.
Hikers in Cornwall were told to take extra care when walking on cliff tops and paths because of the strong gusts which had battered the coastal overnight and into the morning.
The Met office predicts strong southwesterly winds on Wednesday before seeing temperatures plummet.
Gales reaching 65-75pmh are possible across coastal regions in the west and south, according to forecasters.
Winds may also impact phone coverage and cause power cuts.
The areas between Leeds, Liverpool, and Sheffield have been marked with a yellow rain warning with heavy rain likely leading to disruption.
Smaller areas might be cut of by flooded roads and driving conditions will be trickier to handle.
In London, the New Year's Day Parade was delayed due by half an hour due to high winds forecast.
Members of Ocean Springs High School Marching Band, who were set to participate, spotted huddled together in the cold.
Inflatable cartoon characters were not inflated after advice from the Met Office.
Around the Preston area, an amber rain warning has been issued.
Those in the region should prepare for flooding and road closures with delays and cancellations likely.
Temperatures are expected to drop on January 1 with "widespread snow" set to fall in the East Midlands within days.
Plummeting temperatures could reach -2C around the coast with winter beach walks turning frosty within days.
The Met Office warning stretches from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales across to Preston and down to parts of the Peak District, suggesting some places could see more than 10cm of rain.
It stated: "Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions.
"If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously."
Up in Inverness further yellow snow and Ice Warnings cover Inverness and Aberdeen with 1-cm likely at low levels.
At high levels, above 300m, 5-10cm of snow has been warned to fall with wintry weather causing disruption.
The Met Office suggested keeping essentials in the car to prepare for delays as congestion and cancellations are expected
The website states: "If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery.
"Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated."
Rain turning to snow on New Year's Day is likely to cause travel disruption, particularly on roads and railways across Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands & Eilean Siar.
Many were left disappointed after Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled due to safety concerns.
Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were also scrapped.
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The London display went ahead with over 100,000 people gathering to watch the fireworks over the London Eye, before travel chaos broke out.
Currently the forecast suggests and general dip in temperatures from the first all round, with Brits told to prepare for a chilly start to the year.
How to stay safe in the snow
According to the Met Office, this is how best to prepare for oncoming snow
Preparing to drive in snow:
- Plan your route, check for delays, and allow extra time.
- Check wipers, tyres, and screenwash.
- Pack essentials and ensure your phone is charged.
Driving safely in snow:
- Use dipped headlights and accelerate gently.
- Start in second gear to avoid wheel slip.
- Maintain a safe speed and distance.
- Use a low gear downhill and steer into skids.
Preparing for being cut off by snow:
- Gather essentials: torches, batteries, candles, matches/lighters, blankets, and warm clothing.
Staying safe if isolated by snow:
- Keep your thermostat steady and turn off heaters before bed.
- Ensure pets are comfortable and prevent frozen pipes.
- Wear layers of warm clothing and never use a hob or oven for heating.
- Call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651 if needed.
Coping with a power cut:
- Prepare with candles, matches/lighters, torches, batteries, and a phone power pack.
- Switch off appliances and leave a light on.
- Check on neighbours and wrap up warm.
- Use portable heaters if needed and call 105 for information.
